Convair NC-131H TIFS

The Convair NC-131H Samaritan, also known as the Total In-Flight Simulator (TIFS), is a modified Convair C-131 Samaritan that was used to study aircraft handling characteristics. Built as a C-131B, the aircraft underwent extensive conversion and modification by the United States Air Force, NASA, Calspan and others from the late 1960s until the 2000s. TIFS' maiden flight was in 1970.

Design and development

The aircraft, at the time, a C-131B transport, was modified with assistance from NASA, into the NC-131B Control Configured Vehicle, a variable stability aircraft. It would go on to experience further modification, being re-engined and re-designated as the NC-131H by the USAF Research Labs (AFRL). The "N" in the designation indicates that the aircraft had been permanently (ergo, extensively) modified. TIFS is hailed by Calspan as a "cost effective and efficient test-bed aircraft" with a "spacious cabin and replaceable nose." its use was intended for programs with large equipment needs. The TIFS is equipped with a removable, modular simulation cockpit.

The original piston engines were replaced by turboprop engines a second cockpit was added, and vertical fins were installed on the wings to provide side forces, simulating crosswinds to provide test data. The aircraft is owned by the Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL), but is operated and maintained by The Calspan Corporation (originally Cornell Aeronautical Labs).

According to Calspan, the computers onboard TIFS were designed for ease of programming allowing rapid turnaround and system changes. This is to increase the efficiency (and thus, profitability) of hosting and checkout of customer software. Since the simulation is not critical to safety of flight, changes can be made without extensive verification and validation, allowing onboard flight test engineers to reprogram the system in flight if necessary.

Operational history

The TIFS first flew in 1970, and its first research project helped devise the B-1 bomber's flying characteristics. Over its 40-year career, the TIFS has been continuously modernized to simulate and aid in the development of many military, NASA, and Civilian aircraft, including the Boeing X-40, Northrop Tacit Blue, Space Shuttle, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, Northrop YF-23, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing SST, McDonnell Douglas MD-12 and IPTN N-250.

Engineers also utilize the TIFS for studying how large aircraft handle during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing.

During the Martin Marietta Smart Weapons Program, TIFS was modified to replicate an intelligent cruise missile.

Aircraft on display

In 2008, sole NC-131H was moved to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. As of 2024, the aircraft remains on display in the Air Park outside the museum.

Specifications

References

{{USAF transports

Convair aircraft